Entrepreneurship in the automotive center sector can be an extremely profitable and enjoyable path. However, it is necessary to pay attention to some aspects of the business for it to be successful, in addition to taking advantage of market opportunities.
The automotive sector closed the first half of 2021 with high of almost 40%. In other words, the market is recovering very well from the pandemic and presents many opportunities for entrepreneurs.
What is the Automotive Center
The automotive center, or autocenter, is an establishment that brings together specialized professionals with services to solve various vehicle problems. In addition to being able to serve as a “mall” for automotive products.
In general, the autocenter offers a wide portfolio of products and services, hence its name “center”, that is, an establishment where the driver can take his car and solve several problems at once.
What is the difference between an Automotive Center and a Mechanical Workshop?
Although an automotive center and auto repair shop are very similar, each offers different services.
In this sense, the automotive center focuses on specialized vehicle check-up and maintenance services. On the other hand, the workshop is more focused on day-to-day repairs and periodic inspections.
The automotive center, therefore, usually offers solutions to specific problems and vehicle models. In addition, the autocenter also offers a portfolio of more complete services, with solutions for electrical, tire repair, software, mechanics, among others.
While workshops can be generalized, such as multi-brands that offer services for any vehicle, or be specialized, that is, offering more sophisticated solutions for cars from a specific manufacturer.
How to be successful with an Automotive Center
1. Know your entrepreneur profile
First of all, having a profile aligned with the business is crucial to the success of the automotive center. After all, if you don't like the automotive segment and don't have the characteristics of an entrepreneur, it's very difficult for your auto center to be successful.
In fact, entrepreneurs must also recognize their limitations. For example, there are entrepreneurs who are better in the commercial area than in management. By understanding the limitations, it is possible to build high-performance teams with ease.
2. Know the market
Having an affinity with the automotive sector and understanding its limitations, it is also important to study the market in depth.
This includes understanding how the automotive center works, how the automotive sector is doing, the economy and the target audience. In fact, each region and city has unique characteristics, meaning it is crucial to carry out market research to understand whether the chosen location really has potential.
3. Have a good business plan
Knowing that the location is suitable for an automotive center, the next step is to create a business plan. This plan defines all aspects of the business in the smallest details, including the marketing plan, necessary structure, strengths and weaknesses, revenue and expense projections, partnerships, suppliers, among others.
In the case of the automotive center, the operational plan is extremely important to be successful in this sector. This is because it must be ensured that no service is interrupted or delayed due to lack of tools, supplies or prepared staff.
This operational planning must include:
- Necessary tools and frequency of changes;
- Equipment to perform specialized services;
- Qualified personnel;
- Procedures for resolving services;
- Service delivery deadlines;
- Inputs required for each service;
- Suppliers of inputs and their delivery times; etc.
With this planning, the automotive center will function perfectly, improving customer satisfaction. Therefore, success will only be a matter of time!
4. Take advantage of the potential of social networks
Currently, all businesses need to be on the internet in one way or another. The auto center is no exception.
In this sense, taking advantage of social networks to attract new customers is a very effective strategy, since the investment is low, but the results are very positive.
Whereas, to be successful on social media, you need to have a very well-defined audience to offer content that really makes sense and generates new opportunities for the business.
5. Develop an expert team
Without a doubt, for an automotive center to be successful you need a specialized and committed team. Without this, services will not be of quality and there will always be delays.
To do so, entrepreneurs need to:
- Hire people who have the same values as the business;
- Invest in team training;
- Offer frequent training;
- Establish clear and simple procedures to follow.
6. Invest in technology
Vehicles are increasingly technological, with different software and equipment that require experience and specific tools to carry out a quality maintenance service.
Therefore, it is important that the autocenter is always up to date with the latest technologies. This is because it will help the business:
- Be more productive;
- Have more quality in each service;
- Serve the most advanced vehicles;
- Increase profit margins;
- Innovate in the market and attract more customers; between others.
In addition to technologies for services at your automotive center, it is also important to have management systems to manage the business efficiently.
A good ERP system can help your business:
- Control expenses;
- Manage service deliveries;
- Facilitate accounting closing with reliable and correct information;
- Have a broad and up-to-date view of the operation through the control panel;
- Reduce administrative staff costs;
- Make decisions faster and based on concrete data.
7. Expand your services with a franchise from Strike Brasil
Finally, to have a successful automotive center you need a good portfolio of services. As seen, the autocenter offers more complete solutions for drivers.
Understanding your audience’s needs and offering services to meet those needs will make all the difference. It is also possible to think of different products that can be sold together with services.
In fact, it is possible to expand your services in a safe and assertive way. For example, with a franchise Strike Brasil Express, which is a store attached to your autocenter, your automotive center has:
- Complete mix of devices that cover 100% of the company's service portfolio Strike Brasil;
- Access to the portfolio of more than 120 official and exclusive products;
- Exclusive operations in the region;
- Personalized support to boost your business results; and much more!
Founded in 2011 and with more than 50 units spread across Brazil, Strike Brasil is the leader in automotive performance services.
What is it like to be a franchisee? Strike Brasil
In an article we created on the blog, we have some testimonials from franchisees for you to draw your conclusions about their impression of our franchise service, click here And check it out.
Electronic injection reprogramming, suspension kits, installation of diffusers, pieces, accessories and clothing: these are just some of the products and services offered by Strike Brasil, a franchise network specializing in automotive services.
In addition, we offer differences such as:
- Support network: direct contact with other franchisees to exchange experiences and information
- Marketing support
- Online and in-person training
- Official Truck Draw
- Marketing, financial, after-sales, administrative support, manuals and recruitment
